We give thanks to You, O God, we give thanks! For Your wondrous works declare that Your name is near. (Psalm 75:1)
Throughout Israel’s existence, the God of Israel has always been present even in the midst of their trials and perils. Yes, they have experienced heartache and loss, but the Lord was always near and quick to respond when they cried out to Him in desperation. As Moses said to them, “What nation is there that has God so near to it, as the Lord our God is to us, for whatever reason we may call upon Him?” (Deuteronomy 4:7). And not just for Israel, but the promise given is that “The Lord is near to all who call upon Him, to all who call upon Him in truth” (Psalm 145:18).
As we have made our way through the psalms, a recurring theme is clearly evident — God is not oblivious to our suffering but is “near to those who have a broken heart, and saves such as have a contrite spirit” (Psalm 34:18). As just stated, Israel’s history is replete with testimonies of how God saved His people, very often, through miraculous and wondrous circumstances which, through the ages, has given confidence to so many other sojourners that the God of Israel is always near, even when we feel lost and cut off.
Because He has accomplished these wonderful deliverances in the past, we have the assurance He will do it again. Yes, the world seems to be falling headlong into darkness and despair but that doesn’t mean God is no where to be found. Actually, it is often in the darkness and despair that we find He is closer than He’s ever been. It is in these scenarios that, if we are wise, we become acutely aware of His Presence, His Purpose and His desire to draw near to us because we are keen to draw near to Him. Let us never allow trial and tribulation to dampen our confidence that the Almighty is ready and willing to respond to the cries of His children. As Messiah said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.”
Blessings and Shalom,
Bill
Recent Comments